Valuation deadlock stalls priority move
Roma have maintained Antonio Nusa as their primary attacking target, though negotiations with RB Leipzig remain stalled over a €55 million valuation. The German club’s asking price exceeds the €50 million figure that previously ended the Giallorossi’s pursuit of Crysencio Summerville before his Saudi Arabia move, despite the Norwegian winger managing only four Bundesliga goals last season.
The 19-year-old’s modest return matches the tally posted by Lorenzo Pellegrini, who is now available as a free agent. Manager Gian Piero Gasperini possesses a strong record of improving forwards, having transformed Ademola Lookman into a prolific scorer at Atalanta, and believes Nusa’s partnership with Erling Haaland at international level indicates untapped potential. Yet the distance between the clubs on valuation continues to block progress.
Squad requirements and alternative strategies
The Giallorossi require three attacking additions before the window closes: two wingers plus cover for Donyell Malen. Several targets have already slipped away, including Christos Tzolis’s transfer to Arsenal, leaving sporting director D’Amico with limited time to complete the rebuild.
Cologne’s El Mala serves as the designated Plan B should the Nusa deal prove impossible. Significantly, Leipzig’s own interest in El Mala could create a mutually beneficial arrangement that finally releases Nusa for a move to Serie A.
Roma are simultaneously monitoring Fenerbahçe’s Kerem Aktürkoğlu and Benfica’s Andreas Schjelderup. Additionally, Manchester United reportedly offered Marcus Rashford on Friday as part of ongoing discussions regarding midfielder Manu Koné. The recruitment strategy aims to blend one established name with one promising youngster at a modest fee, with PSG’s 18-year-old Mbaye and Feyenoord’s Sauer both long tracked by the hierarchy.
Time pressure mounts
Following nearly two months of transfer stalemate, Roma have just 37 days remaining to finalise their attacking reinforcements. The club possess the financial means to complete their business, but must now accelerate negotiations to avoid beginning the campaign with an incomplete forward line.